Hibernate Like a Boss : Why February is the Perfect Month for Rest & Recovery

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While society is always telling you to “hustle harder!”, winter whispers something different – “Rest”. This is permission for you to hibernate like a boss. Rest and slow living isn’t laziness; it’s rebellion against burnout.

Sleep and Rest – Your Secret Weapons

Some people say “I’ll sleep when I’m dead”. While that’s true, you’ll die a lot sooner if you don’t get adequate sleep! Your body and mind heal while you get your beauty rest, which boosts your immune system and promotes mental clarity amidst life’s chaos. By resting now, you’re sharpening your edge for spring.

Trees go dormant and many animals hibernate – Shouldn’t we take the hint? I love to indulge in this rest and reflection time of year through couch naps and journaling. Come spring, I plan to emerge as a wiser, bolder butterfly.

Rest As a Ritual – Building an Evening Routine

The strength to conquer each day comes from clarity, not chaos. So it’s a good idea to wind down intentionally and maximize your rest time.

Rebel against your instincts if you need to :

  • ditch the doom scroll – swap your phone for a journal or a book
  • incorporate calming habits like herbal tea, dim lighting (warm white Xmas lights are lovely!), gentle yoga in bed, and ambient instrumental music or just white noise
  • try blackout curtains if you don’t like to see the ass crack of dawn (like me)

Slow Living Isn’t Weakness – It’s Power in Disguise

This is the ideal time of year for a few extra doses of self care. Naps, self reflection, and even occasional creative daydreaming now can do wonders for the busy months ahead.

Ask yourself:

  • What can I learn about myself right now?
  • What habits, people, or mindsets can I let go of?
  • What changes would I like to make this spring and summer?
  • What small steps can I make now to prepare for a vibrant year?

Conclusion

Rest isn’t just a pause; it’s an intentional rebellion against the constant pressure to always do more. Hibernate now so that you can rise stronger with clarity and purpose come spring.

This February, I challenge you to embrace the power that come from rest. Hibernate like a boss, and be sure to journal about the badass butterfly you’ll become. Take 10 minutes today to plan your hibernation ritual and commit to at least one act of rebellion against burnout.

If you liked this post, please give it a “like”, share it with someone you think would enjoy it too, & let me know in the comments below what your hibernation plans are!

PS – Just for fun, here’s a little coloring book page that you can print out or copy to color, or do with as you please! ❤

Created with the help of Copilot

A Guide to Celebrating the Winter Solstice for Inner Balance

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For those living in the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice arrives on December 21 this year—a night longer than all others because we’re the furthest distance from the sun that we’ll be all year. Winter is a great season for rest, reflection, and renewal, so here are some ideas for celebrating the solstice with introspective practices, ways to connect with nature, and some nurturing self-care.

Introspective Practices

Meditation – There’s no better way to slow down and absorb the moment than spending some time in meditation. Meditation is an especially wonderful practice this time of year, whether a few minutes of mindfulness or an hour visualizing how you’d like the coming month to unfold.

Journaling – There are tons of year end journaling prompts on the internet (I’ll even be posting some in the coming weeks!), but you could always just freewrite anything that comes to mind. Explore the feelings of the moment, or the season. List your favorite seasonal changes or holiday traditions. You could even script a manifestation for the coming year, or reflect on your progress from the past year.

Gratitude – Write a long list of everything that fills your soul with peace (seriously, the longer the better). Your accomplishments, your loved ones, everything you like. It’s good for your whole wellbeing to be able to see the joy of your life in one long list.

Connecting with nature

Dawn or dusk walk – If you’re nothing like me & can stand to bundle up & trek around outside this time of year, that can be a great way to get in tune with nature. Absorb the smell of the cold air, the sights of tracks in the snow perhaps, & the refreshing feel of a cold breeze on your cheeks. Or, if you are like me, spend a few mindful minutes looking out your window to see what fauna you can spot.

Decorate with found items – Bringing some nature into your living space can be another great way to connect with this time of year. Make a special spot to decorate with pine cones, pine branches, or anything else you find outside.

Stargazing – This is another one for those of you who don’t mind the cold (Hello, I’m the Heat Miser! lol) Even I will find myself pausing for a moment after a late-night grocery run to appreciate the refreshing cold air & a sparkling starry sky.

Self care ideas

Warm bath – Bubbles & bombs or not, soaking in some hot water is soothing to the soul. You can add some essential oils as you fill the tub (bonus points for seasonal scents), light a candle with the intent of rejuvenation, or play some relaxing music. Even a quick soak after a shower is good for you.

Enjoy some herbal tea – Herbal tea doesn’t typically have much (if any) caffeine, so feel free to enjoy it any time of day or night. Keep it on a cup warmer & enjoy it for hours if you like! Doing so will encourage you to pause throughout the time it takes to drink it, & savor the warmth, smell, & taste it provides.

Digital detox, or information detox – Take a break from absorbing the wealth of information & entertainment our screens provide. Indulge in some “analog” hobbies such as arts, crafts, reading a book, playing a board game with loved ones, or any other offline activity that feels good to you. Your peace of mind will thank you!

Conclusion

The winter solstice is a wonderful reminder of the cycles of life & how we each fit into that process. Taking some time for introspection, self care, & getting in tune with the natural world around you are great ways to find some inner balance, especially amidst the busy holiday season.

How do you celebrate the winter solstice? Share your thoughts & practices in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you!